Words about AmWeek by Cory Rundle

I really wish I had written down more about dance camp at the time, it was such a wonderful time, I think I was too busy enjoying it. But I would like to share with you the parts I do remember. I was very excited thinking about dance camp, but I was also a little nervous, as there weren't that many people there I knew well. I have to say, that's definitely the silliest thing to be worried about for a dance camp! While the dancing was amazing, the absolute best part of the camp was the people I met there.

There were folks I knew from the bay area or close by, a contingent from Arizona, a boat load of young folks from New Mexico, and basically folks from all over the western states. But lets not forget Captain Don! As far as I know, he definitely traveled the farthest, all the way from New Hampshire! The first time I wrote that sentence I accidentally wrote "Camptain Don" I think I might like that new nickname...

Anyway, Cap Don regaled us with stories throughout the week, I'm sure none at all exaggerated! It was great talking with him about all the people he knew who my parents knew and hearing his version of stories from back east I'd heard from my parents. I could go on forever about all the cool people I met at camp, but since you might not know them and you will undoubtedly meet different, totally awesome folks at camp, I'll get back to activities.

One of the best parts of camp was the ability to try out new dance styles without committing to them, and without feeling like a fool, because 90% of the people with you were new to the style, plus the instructors were awesome and super friendly. The best best part though, at least for me, was the nightly contra dances. The daytime stuff was fun (I liked the arts and crafts break!) but it was at night where people really brought it out. In particular there was sparkle night (ok I forget what we actually called it, Bling Night maybe? But everyone sparkled!) I think having all the sparkles around us gave us even more energy than usual. And I really don't even know how to describe the bands, they were just amazing! There is nothing like dancing to an amazing band with an amazing crowd of dancers who are also amazing people! Then, of course, there was the staying up ridiculously late, making smores, chatting, discussing everything under the moon, raiding the kitchen for gluten free items (what? Who did that? Definitely wasn't me, just heard some rumor of that!) I could go on and on... And on, but the bottom line is, you should come to camp next year because it is awesome!

-- Cory Rundle

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